80 NARRATIVE, &c. 



that wc should be at war with this people. I am not satisfied 

 with the result of the last war party. My warriors are not 

 satisfied. They are brave men. It is to them I owe success, 

 and not to myself. Both they, and I, have heretofore looked 

 for help where we did not find it. (He alluded to the Ameri- 

 can government.) We are determined to revenge ourselves. 

 If the United States does not aid us, I have it in mind to apply 

 fur aid elsewhere. (He alluded to the British government.) My 

 warriors are in a restless state. I have sent my pipe and invi- 

 tations to my friends around, to continue the war. Circum- 

 stances control me. I cannot avoid it. My feelings are enlis- 

 ted deeply in the contest. When the enemy killed my son, I 

 resolved never to lay down the war club. I have sought death 

 in battle but have not met it. All I now can say is this, that 

 perhaps I shall not lead out the next war party. 



Other parts of his speech on the war are omitted. This is, 

 however, the thread, although a broken thread of his argument, 

 omitting frequent and glowing appeals to his warriors, who ex- 

 pressed their approbation at every pause. 



He proceeded to accuse persons on the waters of the Upper 

 Mississippi, of giving advice to the Sioux to go to war against 

 the Chippewas. He said it was the interest of persons in the 

 trade to induce the Sioux to extend their hunting grounds across 

 the boundary lines. He evinced a familiarity with persons and 

 places. He boldly accused, not only traders, but even some 

 persons holding offices under government, of participating in 

 this course of mal-advice. 



He complained of the traders. He criticised their conduct 

 with severity. He declared their prices to be exorbitant, and 

 said they were so intent on getting furs, that they did not deem 

 it necessary to use much formality in their dealings. He com- 

 plained of the exclusion of ardent spirits, but at the same time 

 admitted, that formerly it was brought in to buy up their wild 

 rice — a practice which left them at the beginning of cold wea- 

 ther, in a destitute situation. 



